The invention relates to a test apparatus and a test method for the testing of samples by mechanical action upon the sample. The test apparatus comprises a sample region and a cylinder, which is movable in relation to the sample region, and at least two linear drives, each with a first drive part, which is fixed in place with respect to an end of the sample region, which faces it, and with a second drive part, which is movable in relation to the first drive part and is driven and which is fixed in place with respect to the cylinder. Advantageously, the movement axes of the linear drives run parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cylinder. In a preferred embodiment, a test set-up of the test apparatus has a rigid load frame.